Chief Minister expects significant, long-lasting Brexit impact

Wed, 17 May 2017

Chief Minister Howard Quayle MHK

The Chief Minister admits the Isle of Man cannot expect to have free trade with the European Union without meeting certain obligations.

Protocol 3, which allows the Island to be included in the EU's Customs Union and Single Market without meeting a member, will end when Britain withdraws from the EU in 2019.

Howard Quayle warned in this month's sitting of Tynwald that the implications of Brexit are likely to have a significant and long-lasting impact on the Island.

Mr Quayle also expects freedom of movement to be restricted, potentially affecting those from outside the UK living in the Island, as well as Manx people living in the EU, which could make labour more costly.

The Manx Government is currently assessing a way for the Island to be included in the UK's Free Trade Agreements with EU countries.